Obama Encourages LGBT Activists To Support Economic Justice For Others

Speaking to the Democratic National Convention’s LGBT Gala in New York Tuesday night, President Obama hailed the many recent victories for LGBT equality. For the first time since the White House’s announcement on Monday, Obama confirmed his intention to sign an executive order protecting the LGBT employees of federal contractors, “because in the United States of America, who you are and who you love shouldn’t be a fireable offense.”

The President acknowledged that there is still work to be done, both for LGBT equality and for the many others who experience inequality throughout the country for various reasons. Noting that the “story of America” is that “if you work hard and you take responsibility, you should be able to make it,” he encouraged the audience to be allies to other groups who are also continuing to fight for a fair chance in society:

That’s why this community has to be just as concerned about poor kids, regardless of sexual orientation.

That’s why this community should be fighting for workers who aren’t getting paid a minimum wage that’s high enough.

That’s why this community has to show compassion for the illegal immigrant who is contributing to our society and just wants a chance to move out of the shadows.

That’s why this community should be concerned about equal pay for equal work, straight or gay.

That’s why this community has to be concerned about the remaining vestiges of racial discrimination.

If you’ve experienced being on the outside, you’ve got to be one to bring more folks in even once you are inside. That’s our task. That’s our job. That’s why we’re here tonight.